“Keep your elbows tucked in and lift your arms straight up. Keep your chin parallel to the ground.”
I dutifully followed my instructor’s directions. I was taking my first Pilates class and was learning the basic positions. I would soon transfer this standing position to the reformer, a machine that adds resistance to the basic movements in a supine position. I thought this would go smoothly since I correctly assimilated the basic positions. However, once I lay down on the reformer, I discovered how premature my assessment was.
“No, you are out of alignment. You need to move your left foot slightly closer to your right and turn it slightly outward.”
I attempted to follow but she still had to reposition my feet. The problem was that although my instructor could see that I was out of alignment, I was unable to see or worse, even feel that I was out of alignment. I struggled with additional postures, still out of alignment. I had no physical or visual cues to assist me. My instructor sensed my frustration.
“Don’t worry, you will never be perfect. It is a continual process!”
Indeed!
I was concerned that if I did not learn how to be in perfect alignment before I began the exercises, any minor misalignment may translate into later significant issues. It was like a laser pointer. If one aims at a close object, it is easy to hit the target. However, if one is aiming at a distant target and is off by less than a millimeter, depending upon the distance of the target, it translates into a huge error, missing by several yards. One needs to be in perfect alignment with one’s goals from the beginning.
I was struck with how similar this is with our relationship with God. If I am not in alignment with God’s will, I will inevitably go astray. Even if I am off by the smallest amount, I will miss the mark and sin. But are there physical or visual cues to assist me? Do I have an instructor to correct me?
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NASB)
Thanks be to God that He desires to keep us in perfect alignment with His will. How does He do this? If we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, God’s Holy Spirit indwells within us. He provides us with the physical or visual cues that we so desperately seek and desire. He prods us in the proper direction. We become frustrated and despair when we attempt to follow our own cues and understanding. Perfect spiritual alignment happens when we acknowledge that only God can keep our spiritual posture straight.
Amen!
Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.
The Bereans Blog 